Grieving again today. I thought I had picked myself back up, so this uncontrollable crying spell this afternoon came as somewhat of a shock.

Though I have left the Catholic church, I have never lost my faith. So, I decided to go to a non-denominational church this afternoon. I really loved the music and the message. During the service, my left lower back started burning. I tried to block it out and focus.

After the service, I decided to have a look around. I was amazed by the number of volunteers, members and beautiful facility. Then my heart dropped.

Seeing the number of families and all the kids in their fantastic kid’s area was a slap to the face. I will never experience a family the way I had always dreamed. What continues to crush me is it wasn’t MY choice to be medically induced into menopause at 40. It’s not a choice when your medical team tells you due to carrying the ovarian genetic marker, family history, intolerant of medications, and my own personal issues with my cervix and ovaries pre-cancer, this is the only way forward.

My mother found these pics today. I was 29 in the pink. So weird to see my natural black hair. I usually wore my hair up in buns, French braids and twists. When I was 29, I still believed in love and that I would have at least one child. I continue to get offended when women especially mention adoption or fostering to me. I know they mean well, but they aren’t hearing me. If I were married or seriously involved with someone, the conversation would be different.

I’m single. At this point, chronically single. I can barely take care of myself and my cat Nathan post-cancer. I have zero energy to even try dating. I look so physically different now. How come some other warriors got their bodies and hair back? I literally look like an entirely different person.

A friend mentioned that I looked “untried” in my younger days. I have been through many, many trials without it physically altering my inside and outside appearance. I’m an onion with tons of layers. You can bet there are some struggles I’ve never openly revealed on social media.

My weight is slowly starting to go down again. That 1 1/2 months on the prednisone really did a number on me. I can tell my appetite is finally back under control. I’m not having intense cravings. I want to actually plan and cook my meals. My thyroid is normal. I’m not even pre-diabetic. Heck, I’m not even anemic right now.

The chronic pain got out of control, and I couldn’t workout without crying in pain. This is another big struggle. I’m realizing that chronic pain is unpredictable. I can feel semi-decent one day and in excruciating pain the next. I didn’t know this would be life with fibromyalgia and neuropathy. This isn’t going away.

I can’t wait for my palliative care appointment at Emory next month. I am very aware I need help. I don’t have coping skills to manage this kind of grief and pain.

Until next time,

Warrior Megsie